Panasonic PT-AE7000U 3D LCD Projector

The Panasonic PT-AE7000U is Panasonic’s first Full HD 3D home theater projector with a 1080p (1920×1080 pixel) resolution. The PT-AE7000U is also the world’s first 3D projector to use transparent LCD panels driven at 480Hz that combined with Panasonic’s Overdrive Technology, realizes significantly low crosstalk.

Thanks to the newly-developed optical engine, which produces an incredible 300,000:1 contrast ratio and 2,000 lumens of brightness, the PT-AE7000U delivers both stunning 2D images and a comfortable and immersive 3D viewing experience at home.

The optical system of the PT-AE7000U features a new 200 Watt Red-Rich Lamp and new LCD panels with larger aperture ratio for increased red luminance and brightness output. The combination of fully-optimized Pure Contrast Plates, Pure Color Filter Pro and Dynamic Iris Pro has resulted in a 300,000:1 contrast ratio and 2,000 lumens of brightness. This produces brighter images with excellent coloring and deep blacks with fine shadow details.

Other 3D features include 2D-3D Conversion, which converts 2D content into 3D images for 3D projection with five different 3D effect modes. The PT-AE7000U comes rich with features for those looking to customize their home theaters. Many Blu-ray Discs and DVDs come in aspect ratios that are even wider than the projector’s 16:9 aspect ratio to match the image size (2.35:1) seen in movie theaters.

The projector’s Intelligent Lens Memory feature makes it possible for the user to easily program up to six different zoom/focus positions. Automatic switching between 16:9 and 2.35:1 video content is also possible thanks to the signal aspect detection capability on the PT-AE7000U.

When setup in a dark room, the pictures come out as vibrant and engaging. Brightly lit scenes feel a bit too bright and can be a drainer at that level of illumination at 526 lumens. There is another option in the projector to use it in eco mode, which reduces the brightness by 27% to below 400 lumens. However, the downside is that the picture looses a bit of its dynamic snap at this level.

To make best use of Panasonic PT-AE7000U, your room needs to have minimum ambient light. At the same time, the walls, ceilings, furnishings, etc. should be dark and non-reflective. Cinema 1 eco mode works best in such environment. Clean, vibrant, high contrast 3D image on this large screen is also impressive at the same time.

Pros

Cons

Lens shift adjustment control is clumsy. Fortunately once set – you don’t need it again.

3D glasses are optional and they need charging.

You might need change the lighting conditions in your room.

Rating:

Conclusion

Panasonic PT-AE7000U is a major step ahead of the AE4000 in picture quality and most competing units do not have the array of features found on the AE7000. Picture depth, clarity, and stability for 3D are equally impressive in 2D. Even if the AE7000 did not have 3D or a wide assortment of features, it would still stand out as a major video engineering achievement based on the strength of its 2D picture quality alone.

Retrevo reports that PT-AE7000U has reached it’s prime. A new product from Panasonic might be due soon, but will cost quite a few notches higher. PT-AE7000U is selling at it’s lowest price at Amazon.

Where to Buy PT-AE7000U

But it from Amazon. Why Amazon? Panasonic Pt-AE7000U is selling at 31% discount at Amazon and also, you’ll save sales tax! Assuming a sales tax of 7%, you will end up saving close to $170 and if you have Amazon Credit Card – you will get reward points equivalent of $75, which equates to a total saving of about $250 or more when you buy from Amazon.